Colorectal cancer risk factors and relative risk

Factors That Increase Risk

Relative Risk

Heredity and medical history

At least 1 first-degree relative

2.2

At least 1 first-degree relative with diagnosis before age 50

3.6

At least 1 second-degree relative

1.7

Inflammatory bowel disease

1.7

Type 2 diabetes

Male

1.4

Female

1.2

Behavioral factors

Heavy alcohol consumption
(daily average >3 drinks)

1.3

Obesity (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m²)

1.3

Colon

Male

1.5

Female

1.1

Rectum

Male

1.3

Female

1.0

Red meat consumption (100 g/day)

1.1

Processed meat consumption
(50 g/day)

1.2

Smoking

Proximal colon

1.2

Distal colon

1.1

Rectum

1.3

Factors That Decrease Risk

Relative Risk

Behavioral factors

Physical activity

0.7

Dairy consumption

0.9

Footnote

The risk of disease in people with a particular “exposure” compared to people without the exposure. For dietary factors the highest versus lowest consumption is compared. A value greater than 1 indicates higher risk with exposure, whereas less than 1 is a protective effect.